The Most Beautiful Village in Africa: A Scenic Gem to Discover

Voting rules: Choose the village you think is the most beautiful!

Updated on Sep 16, 2023 06:13

Discover the hidden gems of Africa as we embark on a quest to crown the most beautiful village on this vast and diverse continent! StrawPoll invites you to join thousands of fellow explorers in ranking and voting for your favorite picturesque African villages. From the vibrant colors of Chefchaouen in Morocco to the breathtaking landscapes of Malawi's Cape Maclear, each village offers a unique blend of rich culture, warm hospitality, and awe-inspiring scenery. Can't find your most cherished village on our list? Don't worry, you can suggest a missing option and share the beauty with the rest of the world. So, dive into this enchanting journey and let your voice be heard in our quest to unveil the most beautiful village in Africa!

What Is the Most Beautiful Village in Africa? (September 2023)

1

67
votes
Chefchaouen, Morocco

Known as the "Blue Pearl," this village is famous for its blue-painted buildings and winding streets. The vibrant blue color creates an enchanting atmosphere that attracts tourists from all over the world.
Description

Chefchaouen, Morocco is a picturesque village located in the Rif Mountains. Known for its distinctive blue-painted buildings, the village embraces a unique charm and tranquil atmosphere. Created by Berber tribes in the 15th century, Chefchaouen was later expanded by the Andalusian Muslims who sought refuge in the region. The village has become a popular tourist destination due to its stunning natural surroundings and vibrant blue streets.

Location: Rif Mountains, Morocco

Architecture: Distinctive blue-painted buildings

Founding Period: 15th century

Expansion: Andalusian Muslims in the 15th century

Tourism: Popular tourist destination
Chefchaouen, Morocco in other rankings
- Position 8 of 10 in Most beautiful village in the world
2

32
votes
Lamu, Kenya

Located on the coast of Kenya, Lamu is a small, ancient town that is known for its beautiful beaches and historic architecture. The town has retained its traditional culture and charm, making it a popular destination for tourists seeking an authentic African experience.
Description

Lamu is a picturesque village located on the coast of Kenya in East Africa. It is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Africa, renowned for its ancient architecture, rich cultural heritage, and stunning natural surroundings. Lamu is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its well-preserved Swahili architecture and narrow, winding streets offering a glimpse into the village's fascinating history.

Location: Coast of Kenya, East Africa

Architecture: Preserved Swahili architecture

History: Rich cultural heritage and ancient history

Natural surroundings: Beautiful coastal scenery

UNESCO World Heritage site: Recognized for its cultural significance
3

13
votes
Goree Island, Senegal

This island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its stunning architecture and rich history. The island was a major hub for the slave trade, and today visitors can tour the former slave houses and learn about the island's history.
Description

Goree Island is a picturesque island located off the coast of Dakar, Senegal. It is known for its charming beauty and rich historical significance. The island is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is often referred to as the 'Slavery Island' due to its dark past as a major center of the African slave trade.

Location: Off the coast of Dakar, Senegal

Historical Significance: Major center of the African slave trade

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Yes

Nickname: Slavery Island

Beauty: Picturesque and charming
4

22
votes
Moongateclimber · CC BY-SA 4.0

Stone Town, Zanzibar

This historic town on the island of Zanzibar has a unique blend of African, Arab, Indian, and European influences. The town is famous for its narrow, winding streets, beautiful architecture, and bustling markets.
Description

Stone Town, Zanzibar is a stunning village located on the island of Zanzibar, off the coast of Tanzania in East Africa. It is known for its unique blend of Swahili, Arab, Persian, Indian, and European architectural influences, which have created a fascinating cultural and historical hub. The village is characterized by its narrow winding streets, intricately carved wooden doors, and beautiful coral stone buildings.

1.: UNESCO World Heritage Site

2.: Distinctive mix of architectural styles from different cultures

3.: Narrow winding streets and alleys

4.: Intricate wooden doors and balconies adorned with Arabic inscriptions and Indian motifs

5.: Historic buildings made of coral stone
5

5
votes
GIRAUD Patrick · CC BY-SA 2.5

Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia

This picturesque village is perched on a hill overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The village is known for its white-washed buildings, blue doors and shutters, and colorful flowers.
Description

Sidi Bou Said is a picturesque village located in Tunisia, North Africa. Perched on a hill overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, it is known for its striking blue and white architecture that creates a charming and serene atmosphere. The village is a popular tourist destination and has been an inspiration for artists and writers throughout history.

Location: Tunisia, North Africa

Architecture: Blue and white buildings

Setting: Hilltop overlooking the Mediterranean Sea

Atmosphere: Charming and serene

Tourism: Popular tourist destination
6

12
votes
Andy Gilham · CC BY-SA 3.0

Djenne, Mali

This ancient village is home to the largest mud-brick building in the world, the Great Mosque of Djenne. The village has a vibrant market and is known for its traditional mud-brick architecture.
Description

Djenne is a historic village located in central Mali, West Africa. It is widely renowned for its remarkable architecture and distinct cultural heritage. The village is recognized as one of the most beautiful in Africa, attracting visitors from around the world.

Mud-Brick Construction: The traditional mud-brick construction techniques of Djenne have been passed down through generations and are considered a prime example of sustainable architecture.

Great Mosque of Djenne: The Great Mosque of Djenne is the most iconic landmark in the village. Built in the 13th century, it is the largest mud-brick building in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Architecture: Djenne is known for its exceptional traditional mud-brick architecture, characterized by adobe buildings with intricate designs and striking mud-constructed facades.

Annual Festival: Djenne celebrates a grand annual festival called the Djenne Day Festival, attracting locals and tourists alike. The festival incorporates traditional music, dance, and cultural events.

Community Work: The entire community of Djenne actively participates in the maintenance and repair of the mud-brick buildings, organizing communal work days known as 'Diyari.'
7

12
votes
Loek Tangel · CC BY-SA 4.0

Elmina, Ghana

N/A

This coastal town is home to one of the oldest European buildings in Africa, the Elmina Castle. The town has a rich history and is known for its beautiful beaches and lively markets.
Description

Elmina, Ghana is a charming coastal village located in the Central Region of Ghana. It is known for its pristine beaches, historic architecture, and vibrant culture. Elmina is a popular tourist destination that offers a mix of natural beauty and fascinating history. The village is named after the Portuguese phrase 'A Mina,' which means 'The Mine,' referencing the lucrative gold trade that took place in the area during colonial times.

Location: Central Region, Ghana

History: Portuguese trading post; British colonial heritage

Architecture: Ancient forts, colonial buildings

Beaches: Beautiful sandy stretches

Culture: Rich cultural heritage; festivals; traditional fishing
8

3
votes
Essaouira, Morocco

This coastal town is known for its beautiful beaches, historic architecture, and vibrant music scene. The town has a laid-back atmosphere and is a popular destination for tourists seeking a relaxed beach vacation.
Description

Essaouira is a picturesque coastal village located in Morocco, known for its charm and beauty. It is situated on the Atlantic coast, offering stunning views of the ocean. The village is characterized by its historic medina, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its well-preserved architecture that reflects a blend of Moroccan and European influences. Essaouira is famous for its vibrant blue and white-washed buildings, narrow winding streets, and bustling markets. The village is also renowned for its strong cultural scene, with numerous art galleries, music festivals, and traditional crafts. The warm and friendly locals contribute to the welcoming atmosphere of Essaouira.

Location: Located on the Atlantic coast of Morocco

UNESCO World Heritage Site: The medina of Essaouira is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Architecture: Blend of Moroccan and European influences, blue and white-washed buildings

Cultural Scene: Art galleries, music festivals, traditional crafts

Coastal Views: Stunning views of the ocean
9

5
votes
Diego Delso · CC BY-SA 4.0

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe/Zambia

This town is located near the stunning Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery and is a popular destination for adventure activities like bungee jumping and white-water rafting.
Description

Victoria Falls is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Africa, located on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia. It is known for its stunning natural scenery, particularly the breathtaking waterfalls that span the width of the Zambezi River. The village is surrounded by lush vegetation, national parks, and an abundance of wildlife, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Size: The width of Victoria Falls is approximately 1.7 kilometers (1 mile) and its height reaches up to 108 meters (354 feet).

Waterflow: During the rainy season, the average flow rate of the waterfalls can reach over 1 million liters (260,000 gallons) per second.

Rainbow: The mist created by the waterfall often produces vibrant rainbows, providing a stunning visual spectacle.

Flora and Fauna: The surrounding area is home to diverse plant and animal species, including elephants, buffalo, zebras, and various bird species.

Activities: Visitors can engage in various activities such as bungee jumping, river rafting, game viewing, helicopter tours, and cultural experiences.
10

4
votes
Cape Town, South Africa

While not a village in the traditional sense, Cape Town is known for its stunning natural beauty, historic architecture, and vibrant culture. The city is home to iconic landmarks like Table Mountain and Robben Island, and has a thriving food and wine scene.
Description

Cape Town is a vibrant coastal city located in South Africa. It is known for its scenic beauty, rich history, and diverse cultural heritage. With its modern infrastructure and innovative urban development, it stands as one of the most advanced cities in Africa.

Population: Approximately 4.6 million inhabitants.

Geography: Situated on the southwestern tip of South Africa, Cape Town is nestled between the iconic Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean.

Economy: A diversified economy that includes sectors such as finance, tourism, manufacturing, and creative industries.

Transportation: Well-developed public transportation system, including bus services, a commuter rail network, and a ferry service.

Education: Home to several renowned universities and educational institutions.
Cape Town, South Africa in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most advanced city in Africa
- Position 3 of 10 in Most beautiful part of Africa
- Position 3 of 10 in Most popular destination in the Southern Hemisphere
- Position 7 of 10 in Most beautiful city in the world

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Ranking factors for beautiful village

Natural beauty

The surrounding landscape, vegetation, bodies of water (such as rivers, lakes, or oceans), and other natural features that add to the charm and visual appeal of the village.
Cultural significance

The presence of unique cultural, historical, or architectural elements that reflect the region's traditions, customs, and way of life can enhance a village's beauty.
Cleanliness and environmental sustainability

A well-maintained and clean village with minimal pollution, waste management systems, and green initiatives will likely be more beautiful and appealing to visitors.
Infrastructure and services

Adequate infrastructure, including well-maintained roads, public utilities, and accommodation options, contribute to a village's beauty and accessibility.
Safety and security

A safe environment where residents and visitors feel secure enhances the overall beauty of a village.
Community engagement and hospitality

A friendly and welcoming community that takes pride in their village and is involved in preserving and showcasing their customs and traditions adds to the beauty of a village.
Artistic elements

The presence of local art, craftsmen, and artisans, as well as beautifully designed and decorated houses, can add to the charm of a village.
Unique features

The presence of unique features or attractions, such as wildlife, geological formations, or historical sites, can draw attention to the village and enhance its beauty.
Tradition and local customs

Villages that have preserved their traditional ways of life, including architecture, clothing, and ceremonies, often hold a unique beauty.
Harmony between nature and human development

A village that has found a balance between preserving its natural environment and accommodating human needs is often considered more beautiful.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most beautiful village in Africa. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or your favorite village is missing from the list, feel free to help us improve the ranking.

Statistics

1610 views
175 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each village once every 24 hours. The rank of each village is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most beautiful village in africa

Africa is known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. The continent is home to many beautiful villages, each with its unique charm and character. These villages offer visitors a glimpse into the traditional way of life of the people who call them home. From the stunning natural scenery to the vibrant local culture, there are countless reasons why Africa's villages are worth exploring. But with so many options to choose from, which one stands out as the most beautiful? In this article, we'll take a closer look at some of Africa's most picturesque villages and try to answer that very question.